"H'm!" said Sir Geoffrey; "I suppose they must have put on a new down train. Did you meet Ralph?"
"No," said Melville shortly.
"H'm!" said Sir Geoffrey again; "I thought not."
"Not a very promising beginning!" said Melville to himself; then he added aloud, "Is Ralph staying with you?"
"He has been," said Sir Geoffrey, "and he's coming back to-morrow, so I am sorry I cannot offer you his room."
Melville was annoyed.
"I am not aware that I have asked you to give me his room, and I am aware that you prefer his company."
"That being so," said Sir Geoffrey, "it seems to me that you have chosen a somewhat unconventional hour for your visit."
"I've only just returned to England," Melville replied; "otherwise I should have called earlier."
"May I ask the object of your visit now you have called?" enquired Sir Geoffrey. "What is it you want?" and he looked keenly at his nephew.